Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 17.1 Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bruichladdich Octomore Edition 17.1 — "The Reference" is the benchmark of the 2026 Octomore 17 series. This 700mL bottle (confirmed on the distillery's US page) is 59.7% ABV (119.4 proof), distilled in 2020 from 100% Scottish mainland Concerto barley (2019 harvest) peated to 81.0 PPM (malt-stage phenol level), and matured 5 years entirely on Islay in full-term first-fill bourbon barrels.
The ".1" expression is always the bourbon-matured reference point for each Octomore series — the purest read on that year's barley and peat. Conceived, distilled, matured, and bottled on Islay by Master Blender Adam Hannett; non-chill filtered, no added color, cut with Octomore Spring water. Limited annual release from September 2026 (US SRP $204.99).
Tasting notes
Vanilla milkshake and warm custard tart meet pear drops and malt syrup. The peat builds in waves: dry, earthy smoke, smouldering oak and ash, with salinity cutting through the sweetness — salt, smoke, and sweetness in balance.
Why buy it from Del Mesa Liquor
- The Reference — the definitive expression of the 17 series
- 59.7% ABV, first-fill bourbon only — pure peat and barley
- 5 years on Islay; non-chill filtered, natural color
- The essential first buy for Octomore collectors
How to serve it
Neat in a Glencairn — give it a few minutes; the bourbon sweetness and smoke separate beautifully with air.
Frequently asked questions
What is Octomore 17.1?
The annual "reference" edition of Bruichladdich's super-heavily-peated Octomore range — full-term bourbon cask maturation, 81.0 PPM barley, 5 years on Islay.
Is it limited?
Yes — the 17 series is annual and unrepeatable.